SDS100/SDS200: SDS100 Antenna Suggestions

[Mboy00]

Hello all,

I am having issues with VHF reception for my SDS100, and I am looking for some suggestions for antennas that can reach high distance but still be somewhat portable with the scanner.

Thanks!

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Consider the Comet SMA-W100RX, confirmed to fit my SDS100. Elbow joints allow it to be folded alongside the unit (yes I know BNC version is pictured, but same idea)

 

[GadgetGeek]

I use this one for my sds100 & 436. TRI Band

 

[nessnet]

I use a Diamond SRH77CA.
I had to Dremel a shoulder on the end for it to fit a 100, but works great.

 

[jte3470]

I have used a Diamond RH77CA, however, I ordered a Comet BNC-W100RX. I have a similar antenna on my Icom IC-R30 and it works well.

 

[Ensnared]

I have used Diamond antennas, but the BNC design was sloppy. It kept rotating and coming loose.

I tried this one, but this listener kept bending the upper section of the shaft. It worked quite well, but not on VHF when compared to the following model: SMA SDS100 800MHz REMTRONIX Portable Antenna | ScannerMaster.com

This one is outstanding. I bought one for my 436HP and SDS 100.
SMA VHF/UHF/800 MHz REM-842S REMTRONIX Triband antenna | Scanner Master

 

[jte3470]

@Ensnared That's funny, because the remtronix (820) antenna I have might as well be a dummy load.

 

[rcool101]

@Ensnared That's funny, because the remtronix (820) antenna I have might as well be a dummy load.

The 820 doesn't work on the SDS100. The 820S is specifically designed for the SDS100. It is SMA

 

[jte3470]

The 820 doesn't work on the SDS100. The 820S is specifically designed for the SDS100. It is SMA

It's the 820S that I have.

 

[rcool101]

Ok. The 820S works excellent for me. I only listen to APCO-25 systems

 

[ka3jjz]

'High Distance' as the OP wrote? Nope not when running indoors or around a lot of obstructions. It's physics - if you want to really reach out you need an antenna that is above the obstructions and fed with good quality coax. An antenna surrounded by trees and buildings are likely to have problems. That's not 'portable' I know but the 2 are almost oxymorons of each other. Mike

 

[jte3470]

Consider the Comet SMA-W100RX, confirmed to fit my SDS100. Elbow joints allow it to be folded alongside the unit (yes I know BNC version is pictured, but same idea)

@Whiskey3JMC I ordered the BNC-W100RX from antenna farm and got it in today. HOLY COW!!!! The RSSI compared to my RH77CA is at least 15 dBm. This is perfect for what I'm listening to. I haven't tried it on 70cm yet, or 800 Mhz. 2 meters is fantastic. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[rlex]

I have RH707 for "portable" mode, RH77CA for desk mode (sadly, don't have external antenna). Both are BNC versions. RH77 was improvement over RH707, but only in voice clarity, especially in analog. Not much difference about distance. Now i guess i should order BNC-W100RX too... Never hurts to have several antennas.

 

[JoeBearcat]

The 820 doesn't work on the SDS100. The 820S is specifically designed for the SDS100. It is SMA

It works on mine with the adapter.....